The information and communications technology (ICT) sector has not always enjoyed the best reputation as far as gender equality is concerned. But this perception is changing - and quickly - say those operating successful businesses in the ultra-competitive world of IT.
There are more women entering the industry and being recruited into senior positions than ever before, says Robert Sussman, joint-MD of Integr8 IT.
According to Sussman, who operates South Africa's largest privately owned national BEE ICT network integration and infrastructure management specialist, this is an encouraging trend that bodes well for the sustainability of the industry.
"There is a definite need for more ICT-focused skills in the market and women are playing a critical role within initiatives established to address this need. The integration of fresh skills into the workplace and the increase in opportunities for individuals who may have been overlooked in the past, can only strengthen the industry," adds Sussman.
"At the same time, though, the suggestion that women are only now starting to impact on the industry is simply not true. The fact is that the industry has not always demonstrated the same level of appreciation or opportunity to women that are quite extensively afforded to men. The fundamental barrier being the serious misconception that men and women have differing capability regarding anything technology-based," he continues.
Sussman describes the advanced ICT services provider operation as 'young, dynamic and progressively positioned' in its management style and approach.
"Aside from adherence to equal opportunity and corporate governance, Integr8 IT is also acutely aware of the role that modern IT practitioners play in building up businesses and in critical delivery of services. This is completely different to traditional HR management practice and the premise of our operation is that individuals work hard in a comfortable, user-friendly and professional environment," he says.
Tami Milwidsky, a co-founder and Regional Director at Integr8 IT, supports this viewpoint.
"Working for a modern ICT-focused company is a challenge. Service and delivery is consistently being scrutinised, forcing decision-makers to be vigilant, tenacious and strategic in their thinking," adds Milwidsky.
"If one reflects on the role that women now have in South Africa's socio-economic development, an opportunity such as this is both individually empowering, but also shows the company is in line with modern global HR practices," she adds.
Integr8 IT's executive management says that the appointment accurately reflects the continued growth, maturity and direction of the company.
"There is no doubt that Integr8 IT has a mature foothold in the business community and interacts with an innovative, dynamic and professional approach. Its rapid development and solid standing in the market can be attributed to adherence to leading current and emerging trends within the modern technology sector. The fact is that women are playing a bigger role in the direction and strategy of companies. They are more prevalent at executive level in IT than was the case before," comments Sussman.
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Integr8 IT is South Africa's largest privately owned fully empowered network and infrastructure management company.
A renowned leader in the field of system integration, infrastructure management and support services, the company employs a wealth of highly skilled, best of breed, certified system engineers who are directly involved in high level consulting, support and integration.
Integr8 IT has brought to market the Nerve CentreTM (www.nervecentre.co.za) South Africa's first ever digital hub, managing and regulating many of the country's leading corporations.
The company's core focus is on network infrastructures specialising in design, planning, deployment, management and maintenance. Offices are located in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban and representation in Port Elizabeth, East London, and across the southern Africa region.
Integr8 IT is a Microsoft Certified Gold Partner for Advanced Infrastructure Solutions, Network Infrastructure Solutions, Information Worker Solutions, and OEM Solutions.
It has been acknowledged and accredited with many awards, namely: Microsoft Gold Partner of the Year, African ICT Achievers -CIO of the Year for Africa, Best Customer Experience of the Year, Network Infrastructure Solution of the Year, Security Solution of the Year for Middle-East, Africa, & Eastern Europe, Advanced Infrastructure Solutions, and many others, every year, since its inception.
Named as one of the country's Top ICT Companies and honoured with a position among South Africa's Technology Top 100 Companies, Integr8 IT has established itself as a strategic partner with numerous internationally-recognised technology vendors and industry leaders, including: 3Com, Attix 5, CA, Citrix, Cisco, IBM, Intel, Microsoft, MTN Network Solutions, Sun Microsystems, T-Systems and Verizon Business.
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